UN Rapporteur tells Lanka to focus more on current situation

The UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues Rita Izs?k-Ndiaye has urged Sri Lanka to focus on the current situation with regard to human rights and minority issues, rather than dwelling on the past.

Rita Izs?k-Ndiaye said this when she met with the Minister of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs D.M Swaminathan, the Ministry?of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs said.

Izs?k-Ndiaye, who is in Sri Lanka to assess the current situation of the national, ethnic and religious minorities, ?stated that more focus should be placed on the current situation with regard to human rights and minority issues, rather than dwelling on the past.

The Minister stated that the present Government has taken many steps to improve the human rights situation in the country.

He informed Ms. Izs?k-Ndiaye that the government will be abolishing the Prevention of Terrorism Act and that it will be replaced with a new Act.

Speaking further with Ms. Izs?k-Ndiaye, the Minister said that the Government has established and strengthened independent commissions to ensure the rights of minorities as well as the other citizens of Sri Lanka. (Colombo Gazette)